help needed fitting a new brake light switch

[Arnolfini]

brake light switch

Hi

I've recently managed to knacker the brake light switch on my car (2001 Y plate Leon Cupra T), and have got myself a new one from the local stealer. Looking at the part, it appears to be a pretty simple clip in job - is this the case?

How difficult would it be for someone with zero mechanical knowledge (i.e. me) to remove the old one, and replace it with a new one? Or would I be better off getting a mechanic/mechanically competent friend to do it?

Could anyone on here provide me (or my mechanically competent friend) with step-by-step instructions for the removal/replacement of the switch? If so I'd be massively grateful

Thanks in advance!
Arn

 

[ElasticTangent]

I've heard that the switches can be easily broken when trying to install them. I got a mechanic mate to do mine when it went on my old LC. I'm not great with a spanner though.

 

[Arnolfini]

Yeah - I'd heard that too... hence asking for some sort of guide. The thing is I'm all for having a go, and looking at the part it looks really simple!

That said, even though the part was pretty cheap (about £7) I'd rather not risk breaking it - and like you, I'm not great with a spanner!

 

[Wackojacko]

Adding to this, I have noticed that mine also needs doing, (must have been broken for ages but i've only noticed it in the dark nights) My Brake lights only come on when you use the brakes quite hard, so alot of the time in slow traffic they don't come on at all.

My Cars a 54' LCR so i guess it's a warrenty job, but i have heard that you can just clip them back into place if the switch is not broken. Where is the switch located, I've had a look but can't seem to find where this damned switch is supposed to be.

Cheers/

 

[mc]

this is where the switch is,

I did this on my last car, a polo gti, so should be similar

To remove the switch you need to turn it about 45 degrees and remove it, refitting is the reverse. I think you need to pull the plunger out as far as it goes before fitting the new one.

I think you should press the brake pedal down before fitting the new switch to place too.

 

[goble]

no sorry totally incorrect.
with the new ones DO NOT pull it out!!!
push the switch down into its location it will clip into place then turn it more to the second stage 4mm more.you must NOT push down on the pedal when installing it press the pedal 3 times once it is totally fitted then connect up connector and test b/lights
job done
on the pic above the switches were used on much older cars ie mk1 alhambra

 

[mc]

serves me right for not checking...